I founded Chiari Law, PC in 2022 as a boutique law firm that specializes in independent workplace investigations for public and private sector clients, as well as business and civil litigation on a select basis.  Prior to founding Chiari Law, PC, I was a partner at Sacks, Rickets & Case, LLP for ten years, and for the ten years prior to that, I was an attorney at DLA Piper, LLP. 

Personnel/Workplace Investigations 

I have conducted and been involved in numerous workplace investigations for the last fifteen years and have handled all types of investigations from routine workplace claims to more sensitive matters involving elected officials, department heads, and/or command/supervisory staff.  With respect to public safety investigations, I am knowledgeable about POBR and FBOR issues, and my law enforcement background provides me with a working context for the common practices, training and nuances of the profession.  I conduct thorough witness and subject interviews in a collegial and non-abrasive manner, and draft detailed, clear investigation reports with fully supported findings that clients can confidently rely upon.  

Business and Civil Litigation  

I have a wide range of experience in business and civil litigation, and selectively take on cases that pique my interest and to which I feel that I will bring significant value to the client.  I provide the same level of analysis, research, polished legal writing, and argument that is expected of large firm attorneys, but at middle-market rates due to a lower overhead.  My favorite aspect of litigation is learning about my clients’ professions and businesses, and often, asking about and understanding those details proves to be key in prevailing on a matter.  I strive to maintain a good working relationship with opposing counsel and focus on the merits of the dispute rather than wasting client money and resources on non-dispositive issues that could be simply resolved through professional courtesy. 

Personal Experience and Perspective 

In addition to the training that I was fortunate enough to receive at a large law firm at the start of my legal career, I believe that my real-world experiences make me uniquely suited to handling workplace investigations and civil litigation. 

Working as a police officer in Oakland for 13 years honed my interpersonal skills with people from all walks of life, and I always remember as a rookie being given a wise admonition from a veteran officer to treat every person with courtesy and respect, but to always have a plan to deal with them if need be.  This holds true figuratively in litigation, where it is best to take the high road, but to always have a plan to prevail or at least achieve the most advantageous result possible for the client. 

I also know what it is to be a client of attorneys, which has helped me appreciate what clients look for and need in a litigation attorney.  I was involved in a boating accident that led to charges being filed against me based on a false arrest, as well as a civil lawsuit.  While my family’s main concern was for the other party involved (who thankfully quickly recovered), we had to navigate through negative publicity, insurance issues, politically charged criminal proceedings, and civil lawsuits. I spent five years as client working with and coordinating three sets of lawyers – criminal counsel, maritime counsel, and personal injury counsel – to obtain a full acquittal in the criminal case and a successful resolution of the civil litigation, with the focus now on a pending action to redress the false arrest and prosecution.  Although not pleasant to go through, experiencing a complex legal situation from the perspective of a client has made me a better attorney who understands and relates to clients’ goals, as well as their frustrations and concerns.  I can honestly tell my clients that I have walked a mile – and probably a little further – in their shoes.

Education

While attending Santa Clara Law School, I worked full time as a police officer for the City of Oakland, graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2002, and was awarded the Order of the Coif.  I was also awarded an Emory Scholarship for the last three of the four years I attended Santa Clara Law School. I graduated from Saint Mary's College in 1991 with a BA in English Literature.